Romantic Wedding And Wedding Catering Near Me Ideas
Reviews, interviews and menu tastings will help you find the right catering choice for your big day. Start by screening possible wedding caterers based on past reviews. If a caterer you are interested in has a review that concerns you, ask them about it; how they respond will be very telling. Next, ask about their availability for your wedding date.
If the wedding caterer is available on your date, it’s time to discuss menus and prices. Be clear about your maximum budget, and find out what choices this will allow you. Caterers may custom-create a menu for your event, or they may have menu templates within different price ranges that can guide your decision. A clear budget gives the caterer clear parameters to work and offer creative suggestions. Schedule a menu tasting to confirm you love your wedding menu.
Do you tip a wedding caterer?
Be sure to ask your caterer about their specific policies. Many catering companies include gratuity as a line item on their bill. If tipping is not automatically included in your total, a good approach is to tip all the people involved the day of the event rather than paying one lump sum to the catering company. For each server and bartender, you can tip $20-$50, depending on how long they were onsite and whether they did exceptional work. It’s also a good idea to tip the catering manager. This point-of-contact person keeps the catering service running the day of your wedding smoothly, ensures all the food looks beautiful and plentiful and resolves any mishaps.
Service: Buffet, family style, plated dinners — how you serve the food affects the cost per person. For example, a true plated meal can cost about twice the price of a staff-assisted buffet because of staffing costs. Hiring waiters, bartenders and cleanup crew will all be calculated into the per-person catering price.
Food: The most expensive part of catering is the food itself. Most restaurants charge between $15 and $25 per plate for appetizers, entrees and desserts. In addition, there are often add-ons like pieces of bread, rolls, butter, salad dressings, etc., so the actual cost of food can easily exceed $100 per person.
Menu design:A well-designed menu can help keep costs down by reducing labor and prep time. Some caterers provide a menu template that includes suggested pricing, but you should always check prices before committing to a menu.
Menu options:If you plan to serve multiple courses, such as an entree followed by dessert, you’ll pay more for each course. This is especially true if you order several types of appetizers, main dish and desserts. If you want to know about wedding catering near me, then you are at the right place.
Costume rentals:You may have to rent costumes for some guests, which adds up quickly.
Decorations: Some venues offer decorating services, while others require you to bring your own decorations. Decorating a large space can be costly, so look around for deals.
Entertainment: Many caterers offer entertainment during cocktail hour and/or after dinner . The type of entertainment offered varies widely, from live bands and DJs to magicians and comedians.
Wedding Cakes
When it comes to choosing a cake for your big day, you want something delicious, pretty and memorable. While cakes come in many shapes and sizes, we’ve narrowed down our top picks based on taste, budget and personal preference.
- Red Velvet Cake
This classic red velvet cake has been a favorite since its invention in 1847. This cake is perfect for any occasion with a sweet cream cheese frosting and a moist chocolate glaze.
- Chocolate Sheet Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting
Chocolate sheet cakes are easy to make and ideal for special occasions. They’re made with two layers of fluffy cake sandwiched together with a creamy filling.
- Lemon Poppy Seed Bundt Cake
Lemon poppy seed bunts are light and airy, making them the perfect choice for summertime celebrations. They’re baked in a fluted tube pan, creating a beautiful shape that looks impressive when served.
- Brown Sugar Pound Cake
Brown sugar pound cake is moist and flavorful, thanks to brown sugar and molasses. It’s topped with a simple vanilla icing and sliced into wedges for serving.
- Strawberry Shortcake
Strawberry shortcakes are a Southern staple. Made with fresh strawberries and whipped cream, these mini cakes are best enjoyed right out of the oven.